Researchers Develop New Plant-Based Plastic Made from Canola Straw

A researcher at the University of Alberta has developed a plant-based cling wrap from a canola straw, a canola by-product.  Canola straw is a fibrous stalk that is often discarded after the plant is harvested for its oil. Marleny Saldaña, of the University of Alberta has developed a way of using the discarded material to strengthen a newly developed plant-based cling wrap. 

Using the cellulose nanofibers from canola straw, Saldaña and her research team created a clear plastic like film out what would either be discarded or used as bedding for soil nutrients.  The environmentally friendly bioplastic is also made out of damaged potatoes and cassava roots which are both relatively inexpensive. “The canola straw cellulose, which can be produced in a highly concentrated form, also has potential to be used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and probably even biomedical applications,” Saldaña said.